Thursday, January 04, 2007

Applique with freezerpaper

I promised Nadine that I will give a privat lesson applique with freezerpaper. So when I started to applique this weeks block in our "Applique design" challenge, I took photos of the steps. I would love to knock on her door to say: Hey, lets sew!!! But it is a long distance between her and me so this will be difficult this evening LOL Perhaps later, who knows.

First I trace the pattern on to the background. This make it more easy to know where to applique all the details later. If you look close you perhaps can see the pattern. But I use a light blue aqua trickmarker to trace the lines and it do not shows so good at the photo. I use aqua trick marker because I can wash the lines away when I am done with this block.

Next I trace the draw the applique shapes on the paper side of the freezerpaper and cut by the line. Then I iron the shiny side on to the wrong side of the fabric I am going to use. I press just for a few seconds because the freezerpaper fasten very quick. Try your freezerpaper on to a little piece of fabric first, because I have learned that it can be very difficult to remove from certain fabrics. Specially thimbelberry fabrics I have noticed this. Why I do not know. Cut the fabric with 1/4 inch seam allowance. If you are having very small parts use less seam allowance.

Then I glue down the seam allowance. I use a quilter glue stick, but you can also use a ordinary glue stick if it is washable. Sometimes I also baste the seam allowance down. But I prefer glue. Perhaps basting is the best way to do it for you.

Now you are ready to applique. I have found my dear needle threader. Can't do without it. When I applique I use thread that is similar colour as the shape I am applique. In this photo I use red thread. Never use thread after the background. I use invisible stitches when I applique this way.

When I am done with the stitching I still have the freezerpaper inside . To remove this I cut away the background fabric on the back of the shape (using 1/4 seam allowance).

Now I have appliqued all the details and this is how my background is looking like when I have removed all the freezerpaper.

And this is how it looks at the right side. All the applique is done and I can start stitching the other lines. But I have to wait until tomorrow.

I hope this was understandable for you. I did my best.

I have added this challenge in my sidebar. Called it Applique challenge with Nadine, Darlene and Angie. And I will add my blocks there while I am sewing. I am so curious to see what colours the other ladies are choosing. Have you started yet?????

I have added block 1-11 in the sidebar. Have to take a photo of block 12 and soon I have finished block 13. 37 left to make. This is fun!!!!!!

I hope you three other do not feel any pressure because I already have made 13 blocks. I know it will come weeks that I will not be able to applique any new blocks. So I guess you soon will catch me up.

I know that Hanne also will join us in this challenge making two (or more) blocks each month.

43 comments:

Hey girlfriend, I have not started yet, altho I did pull fabrics from my Thimbleberries stash trying to decide if I want to use those...also thinking that I might like to use 30s fabrics...see, this is the most difficult part for me--deciding on the fabrics. I'm all set up to draw and cut templates, since that how I do my needleturn applique. I was wondering if Nadine and Darlene have started yet? :D Your blocks look terrific, girl!! How do you decide on your fabric selections? I had already started needleturn on an 3-block angel wallhanging, so now I'm kind of waffling back and forth on which to work on. :)

The applique lesson is great - I'm sure it will help Nadine. I have not started mine yet but am hoping to prep a block or two tomorrow. I'm still on the fence about my fabric selection but I'm leaning towards using 30's however when I wake up tomorrow morning I may have a different thought. LOL I'll make that final decision tomorrow and post whatever I prep.

I'm glad that Angie has joined us and that Hanne plans to participate too.

I am thumbing the book right now - thanks for the inspiration :-)I know you have appliqued the sequins. Have you used freezer paper inside those too?I know they can be left out, but on many of the blocks the small sequins gives an extra lift.My DJ swap friend wants a break from the swapping - you know, life interferring with quilting, so maybe I can be up to one block a week too :-)

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH MY FRIEND !What a great toturial, you're so good at it !And what a relief to see that I'm proceeding the right way (thanks to you). You're a GREAT teacher !Good news that our challenge group is getting more "members" ! The more we are, the more fun and achievements we get !About the "sequins" : what kind are you using ? They don't seem to understand what I mean in my usual haberdashery... but this is Belgium, you know ! LOL....Good idea, too, to put this challenge on your sidebar - I'll try to, as well (seems easier with the new blogger... LOL)Biiiiig hugs & smiles....and thanks !

Very good tutorial May Britt. Do you have any advice on the stitch you use? Where do you pick up the applique, which direction or angle do you point the needle? This is probably too basic a question for you to have even thought of adding!

Your explanations are always top-notch, never fear. This is just the cutest apple block! I used to do the freezer paper method before I went to needleturn, and there are still some things for which I find it the easiest method of all the applique methods. This works so well with the shapes you are using!

Good tutorial, May Brit. This is how I learned to applique--still cannot needle turn very well and admire anyone that can do a good job with that. Your little blocks looks so cute! I'll be watching you, Angie, Darlene and Nadine to see how you are coming along in.

ubflcThese instructions are very clear and easy to follow. I read in several american sites the use of freezer paper for this work. I don't know what freezer paper is and where it can be bought. Internet? Quilt shops? We don't have quilt shops in Portugal, I buy almost everythng when I go abroad or in the internet.

Thanks for your tutorial, it is great! I love needleturn applique but have never done it with freezer paper. Wasn't quite sure about the whole process but now I know thanks to you. I will give this method a try. It's always great to learn something new and to pass on to others. Happy stitching!